Crayons

By JG

I am the color of electricity
Seldom seen, but innately powerful
I am the color of stagnated dreams
Suspended in time, unfulfilled
I am the color of true transformation
The color of self determination
Whatever color self pity is
I’m the opposite
I am the color of jewels
Like that diamond in the rough
I am the color of grace
Moving calmly and unafraid
I am the color of strength
Standing firmly on my square
The color of respect, courage, honor
When affronted by lesser individuals
I am the color of hope
The color of Martin Luther King’s dream
The color of Malcolm X’s resolve
The color of Noble Drew Ali’s fight
I am all colors
I am as colorless as the air we breath
I am the color of Judaism, Christianity and Islam
I am the color Peace

2 Comments

  1. Emily S. on March 7, 2016 at 12:08 PM

    Hello JG,
    What a lovely poem, a great concept. I like the repetition of the word “color”, the premise of being these various shades- the color of strength and hope. An excellent effort. Keep up with your writing.
    Emily, a published poet

  2. Rachael Sandri on March 10, 2016 at 6:55 PM

    Hi JG-

    Thank you thank you thank you for sharing your poem.

    I like that you don’t limit yourself to one color. It is so important to remember the complexity and ever-changing nature of human beings, and you definitely reminded me not to try to fit into a metaphorical box.

    Also, I found your title truly inspiring. Crayons remind me of the fun of creating and drawing in childhood that many have lost along the way. You can decide and control what you will do (or not do) with the colors you have. Thanks for reminding me of that.

    Please write more! I would love to read your work.

    Your fan,

    Rachael

Leave a Comment





This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

The poets featured here are currently incarcerated, and many of them are in federal prisons far from home. Your feedback is a valuable source of motivation and connection to the outside community. Post your comments, feedback, and encouragement in the space below the poem. Messages will be passed on directly to the author. Comments may not appear immediately on the site, as our team processes them to mail to the poets.